Friends of Pinto Lake

Alert: Due to a dangerous level of algae toxins, the lake is closed. The park remains open for all picnicking and camping activities.

The Problem: This lake experiences heavy blooms of toxic blue green algae. During periods of high toxic count, human and wildlife health effects range from nausea to liver damage, and even death. read more >>

Solutions: Toxic counts remain low at present, but treatment with alum to control phosphorous levels is now in the planning stages, since higher counts are possible in the future. read more >>

Our Mission:Save Pinto Lake

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Email friendsofpintolake@gmail.com

Friends of Pinto Lake is an organization of concerned community members who want to restore the environmental health of this 8,000 year-old lake, bordered by Watsonville City Park and Santa Cruz County Park, for wildlife and human life to enjoy safely. Our mission is to raise awareness and provide advocacy regarding issues and actions to help improve Pinto Lake's watershed, to work for the betterment of the lake's natural, sustainable environment for native plants and wildlife, and to support recreational opportunities for generations to come.